Rollicking Rituals: Weird, Wild, &amp; Wonderful Wedding Moments

White dresses and smiling groomsmen are the norm for wedding photographs– but who wants to pick up an album full of posed, plastic portraits? For these newlyweds, the fun to be had lies in between the ring exchange and final dance. From cake consumption to late-night grooving, these shots capture the meaningful– or uproarious– moments behind the wedding-day rituals.

PHOTO BY MEREDITH MONTAGUE

Meredith Montague

Meredith Montague Photography

"During the reception, a bunch of the groomsmen and ushers corralled the bride and groom into a corner for a "picture" with me. But once they were all lined up and facing the camera, someone dropped to the ground and pad-locked a heavy-duty chain around the groom's ankle. Attached to the chain was a bowling ball. The groom dutifully danced for a while with his "ball and chain" but eventually it was removed. When I asked the groomsmen if that was a tradition amongst their group they said, 'Yeah. Well, it's going to be... this is only the second time we've done it.'"

PHOTO BY JASON KEEFER

Jason Keefer

Jason Keefer Photography

"Cake cutting gone awry."

PHOTO BY SARAH CRAMER SHIELDS

Sarah Cramer Shields

Cramer Photography

"These guys NEVER stopped dancing at their reception. They were intense!"

PHOTO BY MEREDITH MONTAGUE

Meredith Montague

Meredith Montague Photography

"Another cute moment was when the groom reached up and pulled off the bride's garter. She had worn one that united the colors of their opposing professional sports teams as a surprise for him. But he had another trick up his sleeve (literally) and pulled a garter honoring HIS favorite team out from under her skirt. She was so pleased with herself and her plan but then looked completely shocked when she saw the garter he produced! She made him go back up for the other one."